Naeem Islam struck a dogged century but it could do little to stave off a six-wicket loss for Mohammedan Sporting Club to Prime Doleshwar in the Dhaka Premier League in Mirpur on Monday.
Doleshwar joined Mohammedan on top of the league with the win, their fifth in the league which came after two successive defeats in the previous two matches. The teams, however, can be toppled by Victoria SC, who will play Cricket Coaching School in their seventh round match on Wednesday.
High-flying Mohammedan, who won their last four matches, were brought down to earth by a disciplined seam attack of Prime Doleshwar, with national stalwart Al-Amin Hossain and veteran Farhad Reza sharing six wickets between them on a lively pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla.
The catastrophe, however, began with a run out as opener Nazimuddin departed without scoring. Al-Amin soon removed Ezaz Ahmed and Upal Tharanga in successive overs to leave the side rattled at 16-3.
Naeem held on one end to score exactly 100 runs having faced 147 balls, but he received no support from anyone in the other end apart from Ariful Islam, who scored 29 off 37 balls and more importantly formed a 77-run partnership in the fourth wicket.
Mohammedan were eventually all out for 188 runs in 47.4 overs as Al-Amin and Farhad claimed 3-34 and 3-26 respectively. Doleshwar made light work of the total, reaching 192-6 in 41.3 overs thanks to another big innings by opener Imtiaz Hossain.
Seasoned campaigner Imtiaz struck 88 off 109 balls to take his tally to 404 in the seven matches, which also helped him overtake Mohammedan’s Tharanga as the highest scorer of the league till date.
The 31-year old right-hander, who never played for the national team, hoped his performance will draw the attention of the selectors.
‘My job is to perform,’ Imtiaz said after the match. If selectors think I am good enough to play for the national team, definitely they will give me a chance.’
Enamul Haque Jr trapped Imtiaz leg-before to deny him his third century in the league, but it could not affect the team as Nasir Hossain hit an unbeaten 37 off 39 balls to take the side home.
Rony Talukdar pulled medium pacer Ariful for four over the midwicket to complete the win.
Brief Scores
Mohammedan SC 188 in 47.4 overs (Naeem Islam 100; Farhad 3-26, Al-Amin 3-34, Rejaul 2-24) v Doleshwar 192-4 in 41.3 overs (Imtiaz 88, Nasir 37 not out, Roquibul 25; Ariful 2-34)
Result: Prime Doleshwar won by 6 wickets.
Man of the match: Farhad Reza (Prime Doleshawar)
-With New Age input
